ORCHARDS. 29 



The orchard of Mr. Wright was found in the hands of one 

 who had made a wise selection of soil, and who has bestowed 

 on it a liberal amount of labor. His trees, however, showed a 

 want of practice in skilful pruning. They were not in fruiting 

 condition. We have no doubt Mr. Wright will in a few years 

 show a very fine pear orchard. 



The Committee award the first premium for the best pear 

 orchard to John R. Poor, of Somerville ; the second premium 

 to Edwin Wheeler, of Concord. 



Only one peach orchard was offered for premium in this class. 

 Messrs. E. Bunco & Son, of Westford, offered an orchard that 

 was found in a very thriving condition, never, however, having 

 produced any fruit. While your Committee award to this 

 orchard the second premium, they very much doubt the wisdom 

 of giving premiums for a fruit that has proved so emphatically 

 a failure in all New England. 



Of all orchard culture for the Middlesex farmer, no one at 

 present promises to pay so well as the pear. The almost cer- 

 tainty of a crop, and the high price in market of the fruit, will, 

 or should, encourage to more extensive cultivation. From what 

 has been learned from our exhibitions, statements and reports, 

 the farmers of our county may plant this fruit with a confidence 

 such as no other orchard fruit will give. Never before were so 

 many pears raised, never was the price so high. With skill, 

 careful and liberal cultivation, with an intelligent selection of 

 varieties adapted to situations and soil, a most reliable source of 

 profit will be found from the pear orchard. 



After a most diligent inquiry, it will be found that few, very 

 few, varieties, well chosen, will prove much more profitable for 

 general culture than many sorts. For net profit we shall not 

 always be wise in choosing such as are pronounced the best for 

 the table. Some that are valued only as cooking pears are truly 

 the best paying. Such, in fact, is the old Belle or Windsor, a 

 stout, vigorous grower and profuse bearer, early and large, 

 always selling readily, and at good prices. Such, also, is the 

 Vicar of Winkfield, one of the most vigorous growers both 

 on quince and pear roots. The Bartlett has obtained such a 

 reputation, and its season is so short, that, from over-stock in 

 the market, it often sells as low or lower than any other variety. 



